Footwear with embedded tracking device and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

Footwear with an embedded tracking device includes a sole and an upper. The tracking device is disposed in a cavity formed in the top surface of the sole. A wireless communication antenna and/or a location signal antenna is disposed on the upper. The antenna(s) is/are connected to the tracking device via a flexible circuit substrate. In a particular embodiment, the location signal antenna is a passive, directional GPS antenna supported in an upwardly facing position in the heel portion of the upper. A method for manufacturing footwear with an embedded tracking device is also disclosed. The method includes providing a footwear upper, incorporating an antenna in the footwear upper, providing a footwear sole, fixing the footwear upper to the footwear sole, incorporating a tracking device into the footwear sole, and connecting the tracking device to the antenna.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/348,292, filed Feb. 6, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,474,206 by the sameinventors, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,474,206, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to personal tracking devices, and moreparticularly to a personal tracking device embedded in footwear.

2. Description of the Background Art

Personal tracking devices are known in the art. One possibly desirablemeans of carrying a personal tracking device is to incorporate thepersonal tracking device into footwear. However, there are manyobstacles to incorporating a personal tracking device into footwear,while maintaining the comfort, appearance, and affordability of thefootwear.

One issue that must be addressed is the location of the tracking device.If the tracking device (including the antenna) is located in the sole ofthe footwear, the satellite location determination signals are shieldedfrom the unit by the wearers foot, and so a relatively sensitive antennais required. As the sensitivity requirement increases, so generally doesthe size and cost of the antenna. Additional amplifiers may also berequired, which further increases the cost as well as the powerconsumption of the unit.

Positioning the tracking device in the footwear upper can also beproblematic. For example, due to the size of known tracking devices someportion of the upper would need to be significantly expanded in order toaccommodate the tracking device. Such an expansion of the upper wouldalmost certainly be noticeable and likely be unacceptable from anappearance standpoint. In addition, the upper typically conforms closelywith the foot of the wearer. Therefore, any device of significant sizeincorporated in the upper might be felt by the wearer, adverselyaffecting the comfort of the footwear.

Another problem that must be addressed is that the circuitry of thetracking device must be protected from moisture, contamination, anddamage, particularly where the footwear is designed for active childrenand/or outdoor activities such as hunting, wilderness hiking, jogging,and so on. If water gets into the tracking device, the electroniccircuitry will short and become nonfunctional. If the tracking device ispositioned in the sole of the footwear, the device must be capable ofwithstanding the weight of the wearer, even when running or jumping.

Another potential problem is that the tracking device may becomedislodged from the footwear and lost or damaged. The cost of a trackingdevice is somewhat significant, and frequent loss of devices wouldlikely pose a barrier to consumer acceptance of the product.

Yet another problem is that the tracking device can interfere with thefunctionality of the footwear. For example, a large, rigid device in thesole could adversely affect the flexibility of the sole. As anotherexample, a device in the tongue of a shoe could interfere with properlacing of the shoe.

Finally, it could be a disadvantage if the tracking device is visible orobvious from the outward appearance of the footwear. For example, in thecase of a kidnapping it would be a disadvantage if the kidnapperrecognized that the victim had footwear with a tracking device. Then,the kidnapper could frustrate the tracking effort simply by discardingthe footwear.

In view of the above-described problems, what is needed is a means forincorporating a tracking device in footwear that does not adverselyaffect the functionality, the appearance, and/or the comfort of thefootwear. What is also needed is a means for incorporating a trackingdevice in footwear that facilitates the use of relatively inexpensiveand/or less sensitive antennas. What is also needed is a means forincorporating a tracking device in footwear that protects the trackingdevice from moisture, contamination, and physical damage. What is alsoneeded is a means for incorporating a tracking device in footwear thatprevents dislodgment and loss of the tracking device. What is alsoneeded is a means for incorporating a tracking device in footwear suchthat the presence of the tracking device is not apparent from theoutward appearance of the footwear.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention overcomes some or all theabove-described problems associated with the prior art by providingfootwear with a tracking device disposed in a cavity formed in the uppersurface of the sole of the footwear. Another aspect of the presentinvention overcomes some or all of the above-described problemsassociated with the prior art by providing footwear with a trackingdevice disposed in the sole of the footwear and an antenna servicing thetracking device disposed in/on the upper of the footwear.

The footwear includes a sole, a location determining device, and awireless communication device. The location determining device and thewireless communication device are electronically coupled to one anotherand are disposed in a cavity formed in the top surface of the sole. In aparticular embodiment, the location determining device determines theposition of the footwear using signals transmitted by a positioningsystem (e.g., a satellite or terrestrial based global positioningsystem). Alternatively, the location determining device obtainsinformation indicative of the position of the footwear exclusively viathe wireless communication device.

In the example embodiment, the wireless communication device and thelocation determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material(e.g., a polyamide resin). The encapsulating waterproof material definesa slot to facilitate the insertion of a memory device (e.g., aSubscriber Identification Module or SIM card) to uniquely identify thewireless communication device. The slot is sealed (e.g., by adhesive,removable plug, etc.) after the memory device is inserted.

The encapsulating material also defines a slot for receiving a battery.The wireless communication device is mounted on a circuit board that hasa battery connector mounted thereon. The encapsulating materialencapsulates a first portion of the battery connector that is connectedto the circuit board and leaves a second portion on the connectorexposed to facilitate connection to the battery. The battery receivingslot guides the battery into engagement with the battery connector.Optionally, the battery slot can be sealed once the battery is insertedtherein.

Optionally, the footwear further includes a charging connectorelectrically coupled to charge the battery via, for example, a chargingcircuit on the circuit board. The charging connector is mounted in anopening in a side of the sole of the footwear. The charging connector iscoupled to the battery/charging circuit via a flexible circuit substrate(e.g., polyimide sheet with conductive circuit traces formed thereon).

The footwear further includes an upper fixed to the sole and having aninner layer and an outer layer. A communication antenna electricallycoupled to the wireless communication device is disposed on a flexiblecircuit substrate between the inner layer and the outer layer of theupper. In the example embodiment described, the communication antenna isdisposed in the heel portion of the upper.

Optionally, a location signal antenna is electrically coupled to thelocation determining device via a flexible circuit substrate and isdisposed in the upper. In the example embodiment described, the locationsignal antenna is a directional antenna disposed in the heel portion ofthe upper. The heel portion defines a support structure for maintainingthe directional antenna in an upwardly directed position.

As indicated above, either the communication antenna or the locationsignal antenna or both, are fixed to the upper. A flexible circuitsubstrate electrically couples the antennas to the wirelesscommunication device and the location determining device, respectively.The flexible circuit substrate includes at least one connector fordetaching at least a portion of the flexible circuit substrate from thewireless communication device and/or the location determining device. Inthe embodiment shown, the flexible circuit substrate includes a firstportion coupled to at least one the wireless communication device andthe location determining device, a second portion coupled to at leastone of the communication antenna and the and the location signalantenna, and a connector for coupling the first and second portions ofthe flexible circuit substrate.

A method for manufacturing footwear is also disclosed. The methodincludes the steps of providing a sole, providing an upper, fixing theupper to the sole, incorporating a tracking device in the sole,incorporating an antenna in the upper and connecting the antenna to thetracking device. In a particular method, the step of incorporating theantenna in the upper occurs prior to fixing the upper to the sole, andthe step of incorporating the tracking device in the sole occurs afterthe step of fixing the upper to the sole. The antenna is incorporated ina heel portion of the upper. The particular method further includesencapsulating the tracking device in a waterproof material. The step ofconnecting the antenna to the tracking device includes connecting theantenna to the tracking device via a flexible circuit substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the followingdrawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similarelements:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tracking system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of footwear with an embedded tracking device foruse with the tracking system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away side view of the footwear of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a detached upper and sole of the footwear ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the sole of the footwear of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a flexible connector of the upper of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the flexible connector of the upper of FIG.4;

FIG. 8 is a representational drawing of a tracking device of thefootwear of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the tracking device encapsulated in awaterproof material; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart summarizing one method for manufacturingfootwear with an embedded tracking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the priorart, by providing footwear with an embedded tracking device. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g.,particular electronic components) in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize,however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specificdetails. In other instances, details of well known footwearmanufacturing and electronics assembly practices and components havebeen omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tracking system 100 including thefootwear 102 of the present invention. Tracking system 100 furtherincludes a subscriber server 104, a wireless communication link 106, aninternetwork 108, one or more subscribers 110(1-n), and a positioningsystem 112.

Footwear 102 includes a tracking device that communicates wirelesslywith subscriber server 104 via wireless communication link 106. In theparticular embodiment described, wireless communications link 106 is amobile telephone network. However, the invention is not limited to usewith any particular type of mobile telephone network. Indeed, wirelesscommunication link 106 represents any means of wireless communication,now known or yet to be discovered, that facilitates communicationbetween footwear 102 and subscriber server 104 including, but notlimited to cellular networks (e.g., CDMA and GSM), satellite networks,WIFI networks, and radio communication.

Subscriber server 104 receives data from footwear 102 indicative of thegeographic position of footwear 102, and provides the information tosubscribers 110(1-n) via internetwork 108. In this particular embodimentof the invention, internetwork 108 is the Internet. However, anysuitable means of communication between subscriber server 104 andsubscriber servers 110(1-n) can be used for internetwork 108.

Subscribers 110(1-n) represent individuals with an interest in thelocation of the person wearing footwear 102. For example tracking system100 can be used by parents to locate children, by service departments tolocate emergency service personal in the field, and so on. Subscribers110(1-n) communicate with subscriber server 104 via internetwork 108using some sort of client device including, but not limited to, apersonal computers, a telephone, and so on.

Responsive to a command from subscriber server 104, footwear 102determines its location using location signals received from positioningsystem 112 and transmits data indicative of the determined system backto subscriber server 104. Positioning system 112 represents any type ofsatellite or terrestrial based positioning system that transmits signalsthat can be used to determine location. For example, a globalpositioning system (GPS) currently in use employs a plurality ofsatellites that continuously transmit signals. GPS receivers cancalculate location by determining the difference in the time of receiptof signals from different satellites. GPS technology is well known, andso will not be described in detail herein.

As an alternative to a GPS type system, positioning system 112 can beincorporated into wireless communication link 106. For example, wirelesstelephone networks now have the capability of determining the locationof mobile telephone handsets based on signals from a plurality of signaltowers in the network. Wireless communication link 106 can then providethe determined location directly to footwear 102, which in turn cancommunicate the location to subscriber server 104. As a result,positioning system 112 can be thought of as either optional or as beingincorporated into wireless communication link 106.

FIG. 2 is a side view of footwear 102. A charging connector 202 isdisposed in the medial side of the sole to facilitate electricalcharging of the tracking device. Apart from charging connector 202, thetracking device is not visible in the view of FIG. 2. The concealment ofthe tracking device provides an advantage in that a kidnapper would notbe alerted to the fact that he/she might be being tracked. Chargingconnector 202 can be further concealed by inserting a plug (not shown)into connector 202, which also protects against dirt and water enteringconnector 202. Indeed, if complete concealment is desired, chargingconnector 202 can easily be relocated to an inner portion of footwear102.

FIG. 3, is a partially cut away side view of footwear 102, revealing thetracking device 302 concealed therein. Tracking device 302 includes anelectronics module 304, a location signal antenna 306 (GPS in thisembodiment), a wireless communication antenna 308 (GSM in thisembodiment), and charging connector 202, all electrically connected viaa flexible circuit substrate 310. Flexible circuit substrate 310 isdivided into two portions, which are connected to one another via aconnector 312.

GPS antenna 306 and GSM antenna 308 are both disposed in the heelportion of the upper 314 of footwear 102. GPS antenna 306 is a passive,directional antenna that is mounted directly on flexible circuitsubstrate 310 and is supported in an upwardly facing position by asupport structure 316 formed by the component layers of upper 314. Inthis position, GPS satellite signals are not blocked by the foot of thewearer. GSM antenna 308 is formed on a trace layer of flexible circuitsubstrate 310 facing away from the heel of the wearer. Both GPS antenna306 and GSM antenna 308 are protected between inner and outer layers ofupper 314.

Electronics module 304 and charging connector 202 are both disposed inthe sole 318 of footwear 102. In particular, electronics module 304 isdisposed in a cavity 320 formed in a top surface of sole 318. Flexiblecircuit substrate lies in a channel 322 formed in the top surface ofsole 318. Channel 322 extends from cavity 320 toward the heel of sole318, where flexible circuit substrate 310 transitions between sole 318and upper 314, entering between inner and outer layers of upper 314.Cavity 320 and channel 322 are accessible through an opening in theinsole 324, such that electronics module can be removed and/or replaced.During wear, the opening through insole 324 is folded closed and/orcovered by a sock liner 326.

Separating antennas 306 and 308 from electronics module 304 by placingthe former in upper 314 and the latter in sole 318 provides advantagesover the prior art. For example, antennas 306 and 308 can be selectedand positioned to get the best reception from the least expensive typeof antenna, without worrying about accommodating the bulk of electronicsmodule 304 in the upper. Similarly, electronics module 304 can be placedin the sole, where it is protected and unobtrusive, without concernabout blocking the GPS signals.

FIG. 4 is a side view of upper 314 and sole 318 detached from oneanother. During the manufacturing process, upper 314 and sole 318 areassembled separately, as shown, and then bonded together to formfootwear 102. During the bonding process an adhesive is applied to thebottom surface of insole 324 and to the top surface of sole 318, takingcare not to fill channel 322 (FIG. 3) with adhesive. Next, the portionof flexible circuit substrate 310 extending from the heel of upper 314is temporarily secured so that it will remain in or above channel 322during the bonding process. The upper and the sole are then passedthrough a high temperature oven to activate the bonding agent. Finally,upper 314 and sole 318 are pressed together in a pressing operation.

The electronic components of footwear 102 are protected from the hightemperatures and pressures of the bonding process. Structure 316provides suitable protection for antennas 306 and 308. In addition,because electronics module 304 is removable, it can be inserted afterthe bonding process and, therefore, not be exposed to the bondingprocess at all.

FIG. 5 is a top view of sole 318 showing how electronics module 304 isinserted in cavity 320. Charging connector 202 is pushed into a tunnel502 far enough to be accessible from the outside of sole 318. Connectors312 are engaged, thereby coupling the separate sections of flexiblecircuit substrate 310. Note that only a portion of the section coupledto antennas 306 and 308 is shown. Electronics module 304 is then pressedinto cavity 320. These steps need not occur in any particular order.

Electronics module 304 is encapsulated in a solid, waterproof materialto protect it from water and or shock. In particular, electronics module304 is encapsulated in a polyamide resin material via a low pressuremolding process. One satisfactory material for the encapsulation is aproduct sold under the trade name MACROMELT®.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view (from the perspective of FIG. 3) of two-pieceflexible circuit substrate 310. Flexible circuit substrate 310 includesa communication antenna trace 602, a location signal antenna trace 604,two charge connector traces 606, and a plurality of contacts 608, eachcoupled to a respective one of traces 602, 604, and 606, all formed onan insulating, flexible substrate 610. In this particular embodiment,traces 602, 604, and 606 are 50 ohm impedance matched copper traces.Each of copper traces 602 and 604 are coupled across the gap between theseparate sections of flexible circuit substrate 310 by one of connectors312, which are MMCX RF connectors.

Trace 602 and the associated one of connectors 312 electrically coupleone of contacts 608 with GSM antenna 308. Trace 604 and the associatedone of connectors 312 electrically couple another of contacts 608 to GPSantenna 306 (FIG. 7) through a via hole. Traces 606 couple the remainingtwo of contacts 608 to charging connector 202. Contacts 608 areconnected to a corresponding set of contacts on a circuit board ofelectronics module 304 prior to the above-described encapsulationprocess. Thus, GPS antenna 306, GSM antenna 308, and charging connector202 are all electrically coupled to the circuitry of electronics module304 via flexible circuit substrate 310.

Flexible substrate 610 is formed of a polyimide sheet. In addition,flexible circuit substrate includes adhesive layers (not shown) betweenthe polyimide sheet and the traces to maintain adhesion of the tracesonto polyimide sheet 610. Further, flexible circuit substrate includes aprotective layer (not shown) over the trace layer to protect andinsulate traces 602, 604, and 606. These additional layers are not shownso as not to unnecessarily obscure the drawing.

FIG. 7 is a top view of flexible circuit substrate 310. Substantiallythe entire top surface 702 of flexible circuit substrate 702 is coveredby a copper ground plane. GPS antenna 306 is mounted on the ground planeof surface 702 and is connected to signal trace 604 through via 612. Anadhesive layer (not shown) is disposed between copper ground plane 702and flexible substrate 610, and a protective layer (not shown) isprovided over ground plane 702.

It should be understood that the particular materials and components (aswell as other described elements, even if not explicitly stated) are notessential elements of the present invention. For example, the presentinvention may be practiced with an alternate flexible connectors,materials, and so on. Further, in particular embodiments of theinvention, certain of these elements may be omitted altogether. Indeed,no single aspect of the invention is considered to be an essentialelement of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a representational diagram of electronics module 304, which isshown to include a controller 802, a GPS receiver 804, a wireless modem806, a SIM card socket 808, and a power supply 810, all mounted on acircuit board 812. Controller 802 includes a processing unit and code,which when executed provides overall coordination and control of thevarious functions described herein. GPS receiver 804 is electricallycoupled to trace 604, which connects GPS receiver 804 to GPS antenna 306(FIG. 3). GPS receiver 804 processes location signals received via GPSantenna 306 and provides the current location of footwear 102 tocontroller 802. Wireless modem 806 is electrically coupled to trace 602,which connects wireless modem 806 to GSM antenna 308 (FIG. 3). Wirelessmodem 806 is able to establish a connection with subscriber server 104via wireless communication link 106, as described above with referenceto FIG. 1. SIM card socket 808 is designed to receive a subscriberidentification module 814, which includes data that uniquely identifiesthe card (e.g., a phone number) and facilitates access to wirelesscommunication link 106 (e.g., a wireless telephone network).

Power supply 810 is coupled to charging connector 202 via traces 606,and is coupled to a battery 902 (FIG. 9) via a battery connector 816,which is also mounted on circuit board 812. When charging connector 202is connected to an external charger, power supply 810 charges battery902. In addition, during normal operation of electronics module 304,power supply 810 draws power from battery 902 and provides power to eachcomponent of electronics module 304 at whatever voltages are required bythe particular components via voltage supply lines 818. Although voltagesupply lines 818 are shown as a single line, it should be understoodthat voltage supply lines 818 will include as many lines as necessary tosatisfy the voltage/power requirements of the particular components.

The encapsulation material 506 encapsulates circuit board 812 and all ofthe components mounted thereon, forming a water tight seal aroundflexible circuit substrate 310. With two exceptions, encapsulationmaterial 506 completely encapsulates electronics module 304. The firstexception is a slot 820 that facilitates removal and reinsertion of theSIM card during initial activation. Once module 304 is activated, slot820 is sealed with an epoxy, a plug, or any other water tight means (notshown). The second exception to complete encapsulation of module 304 isthat a portion of battery connector 816 is left unencapsulated tofacilitate the insertion and removal of battery 902, as will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a side view of electronics module 304 that shows a slot 904defined by encapsulation material 506 for receiving battery 902. Batteryconnector 816 extends up from circuit board 812 and into slot 904. Themajority of battery connector 816 is encapsulated by encapsulationmaterial 506, but a portion of battery connector 816 is left exposed inslot 904. The exposed portion of battery connector 816 includes aplurality (only one is visible in FIG. 9) of electrical contact slots906 configured to receive a like plurality (only one visible) ofelectrical terminals 908 extending from battery 902. When battery 902 isinserted into slot 904 as shown by the directional arrow in FIG. 9,terminals 908 engage contact slots 906, thereby energizing electronicsmodule 304. After insertion of battery 902, the open end of slot 904 issealed with a removable, watertight plug or cap.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart summarizing one method 1000 for manufacturingfootwear with an embedded tracking device. In a first step 1002, afootwear upper is provided. Then, in a second step 1004, an antenna isincorporated into the footwear upper. Next, in a third step 1006, afootwear sole is provided. Then, in a forth step 1008, the footwearupper is fixed to the footwear sole. Then, in a fifth step 1010, atracking device is incorporated into the footwear sole. Finally, in asixth step 1012, the tracking device is connected to the antenna.

It should be noted that the steps of method 1000 need not occur in theexact order shown. For example, it is possible to connect the trackingdevice to the antenna before completely incorporating the trackingdevice into the footwear sole. As another example, it is possible toconnect the tracking device to the antenna and/or incorporate thetracking device into the footwear sole prior to fixing the upper to thesole.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention isnow complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, alteredor omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, if the wireless communication device (e.g., controller 802 andwireless modem 806) can obtain position information from the particularwireless communication link 106 used, then the GPS components (receiver804 and antenna 306 can be omitted. As another example, individual wiresmay be substituted for flexible circuit substrate 310. As yet anotherexample, GPS antenna 306 can be disposed on the toe of the footwear andconnected to module 304 by a flexible circuit substrate wrapping aroundthe toe of the footwear. These and other deviations from the particularembodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art,particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.

1. Footwear comprising: a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said sole having a cavity formed in said top surface of said sole; a location determining device removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a wireless communication device electronically coupled to said location determining device and removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a battery disposed in said cavity; a charging connector electrically coupled to charge said battery and accessible from outside said footwear; and wherein said charging connector is disposed in an opening in said sidewall of said sole; and said charging connector is coupled to said battery via a flexible circuit substrate.
 2. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein said wireless communication device and said location determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material.
 3. Footwear according to claim 2, wherein said waterproof material is a polyamide resin.
 4. Footwear according to claim 2, wherein: said wireless communication device includes a circuit board having a battery connector mounted thereon, said battery connector having a first portion connected to said circuit board and a second portion for connecting to said battery; and said waterproof material encapsulates said first portion of said battery connector and leaves said second portion of said connector exposed to facilitate connection to said battery.
 5. Footwear according to claim 4, wherein said waterproof material defines a slot to receive said battery.
 6. Footwear according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper including an inner layer and an outer layer; and a communication antenna electrically coupled to said wireless communication device and disposed on a flexible circuit substrate between said inner layer and said outer layer of said upper.
 7. Footwear according to claim 6, wherein said communication antenna is disposed in a heel portion of said upper.
 8. Footwear according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper including a heel portion; and a location signal antenna disposed in said heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device.
 9. Footwear according to claim 8, wherein: said location signal antenna is a directional antenna; and said heel portion of said upper defines a support structure for maintaining said directional antenna in an upwardly directed position.
 10. Footwear according to claim 8, wherein said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via a flexible circuit substrate.
 11. Footwear according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper fixed to said sole; an antenna fixed to said upper; and a flexible circuit substrate electronically coupling said antenna to one of said wireless communication device and said location determining device.
 12. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein said location determining device obtains information indicative of a position of said footwear exclusively via said wireless communication device.
 13. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein said location determining device determines a position of said footwear using signals transmitted by a positioning system.
 14. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein said positioning system is a satellite based global positioning system.
 15. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein said cavity is accessible through an opening in said top surface of said sole.
 16. Footwear according to claim 15, wherein said sole includes a portion that can be folded over said opening in said top surface to cover said cavity.
 17. Footwear according to claim 11, wherein: said flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating layer and a plurality of metal traces formed on said insulating layer; and at least some of said metal traces are connected between said antenna and at least one of said location determining device and said wireless communication device.
 18. Footwear according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of said metal traces are impedance matched.
 19. Footwear according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper including a heel portion and a toe portion; a location signal antenna disposed in said toe portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device; and a communication antenna disposed in said heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said wireless communication device.
 20. Footwear according to claim 19, wherein: said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via a first flexible circuit substrate; and said communication antenna is disposed on a second flexible circuit substrate.
 21. A method for manufacturing footwear, said method comprising: providing a sole including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said top surface defining a cavity; providing an upper; fixing said upper to said sole; incorporating a tracking device in said cavity in said top surface of said sole; incorporating an antenna in said upper; and connecting said antenna to said tracking device via a flexible circuit substrate.
 22. A method for manufacturing footwear according to claim 21, wherein said step of incorporating said antenna in said upper occurs prior to said step of fixing said upper to said sole.
 23. A method for manufacturing footwear according to claim 21, wherein said step of incorporating said tracking device in said sole occurs after said step of fixing said upper to said sole.
 24. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 21, further comprising encapsulating said tracking device in a waterproof material.
 25. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 21, wherein said step of incorporating an antenna in said upper includes incorporating said antenna in a heel portion of said upper.
 26. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 25, wherein: said antenna is a directional antenna; and said step of incorporating said antenna in said heel portion of said upper includes providing a support structure in said upper to maintain said antenna in an upwardly facing position.
 27. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 21, further comprising: mounting a charging adapter in said sole; and electrically coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device.
 28. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 27, wherein said step of electrically coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device includes coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device via said flexible circuit substrate.
 29. Footwear comprising: a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said sole having a cavity formed in said top surface of said sole; a location determining device removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a wireless communication device electronically coupled to said location determining device and removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; an upper including an inner layer and an outer layer; and a communication antenna electrically coupled to said wireless communication device and disposed on a flexible circuit substrate between said inner layer and said outer layer of said upper.
 30. Footwear according to claim 29, wherein said wireless communication device and said location determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material.
 31. Footwear according to claim 30, wherein said waterproof material is a polyamide resin.
 32. Footwear according to claim 30, wherein: said wireless communication device includes a circuit board having a battery connector mounted thereon, said battery connector having a first portion connected to said circuit board and a second portion for connecting to a battery; and said waterproof material encapsulates said first portion of said battery connector and leaves said second portion of said connector exposed to facilitate connection to a battery.
 33. Footwear according to claim 32, wherein said waterproof material defines a slot to receive said battery.
 34. Footwear according to claim 29, further including: a battery disposed in said cavity; and a charging connector electrically coupled to charge said battery and accessible from outside said footwear.
 35. Footwear according to claim 34, wherein said charging connector is disposed in an opening in said sidewall of said sole.
 36. Footwear according to claim 29, wherein said communication antenna is disposed in a heel portion of said upper.
 37. Footwear according to claim 29, further comprising: a location signal antenna disposed in a heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device.
 38. Footwear according to claim 37, wherein: said location signal antenna is a directional antenna; and said heel portion of said upper defines a support structure for maintaining said directional antenna in an upwardly directed position.
 39. Footwear according to claim 37, wherein said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via said flexible circuit substrate.
 40. Footwear according to claim 29, wherein: said upper is fixed to said sole; said flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating layer and a plurality of metal traces formed on said insulating layer; and at least some of said metal traces are connected between said communication antenna and said wireless communication device.
 41. Footwear according to claim 40, wherein a plurality of said metal traces are impedance matched.
 42. Footwear according to claim 29, wherein said location determining device obtains information indicative of a position of said footwear exclusively via said wireless communication device.
 43. Footwear according to claim 29, wherein said location determining device determines a position of said footwear using signals transmitted by a positioning system.
 44. Footwear according to claim 43, wherein said positioning system is a satellite based global positioning system.
 45. Footwear according to claim 29, wherein said cavity is accessible through an opening in said top surface of said sole.
 46. Footwear according to claim 45, wherein said sole includes a portion that can be folded over said opening in said top surface to cover said cavity.
 47. Footwear according to claim 29, further comprising: a location signal antenna disposed in a toe portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device; and wherein said communication antenna is disposed in a heel portion of said upper.
 48. Footwear according to claim 47, wherein said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via a second flexible circuit substrate.
 49. Footwear comprising: a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said sole having a cavity formed in said top surface of said sole; a location determining device removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a wireless communication device electronically coupled to said location determining device and removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; an upper including a heel portion; and a location signal antenna disposed in said heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device; and wherein said location signal antenna is a directional antenna; and said heel portion of said upper defines a support structure for maintaining said directional antenna in an upwardly directed position.
 50. Footwear according to claim 49, wherein said wireless communication device and said location determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material.
 51. Footwear according to claim 50, wherein said waterproof material is a polyamide resin.
 52. Footwear according to claim 50, wherein: said wireless communication device includes a circuit board having a battery connector mounted thereon, said battery connector having a first portion connected to said circuit board and a second portion for connecting to a battery; and said waterproof material encapsulates said first portion of said battery connector and leaves said second portion of said connector exposed to facilitate connection to a battery.
 53. Footwear according to claim 52, wherein said waterproof material defines a slot to receive said battery.
 54. Footwear according to claim 49, further including: a battery disposed in said cavity; and a charging connector electrically coupled to charge said battery and accessible from outside said footwear.
 55. Footwear according to claim 54, wherein said charging connector is disposed in an opening in said sidewall of said sole.
 56. Footwear according to claim 49, further comprising: a communication antenna electrically coupled to said wireless communication device and disposed on a flexible circuit substrate between an inner layer and an outer layer of said upper; and wherein said communication antenna is disposed in said heel portion of said upper.
 57. Footwear according to claim 49, wherein said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via a flexible circuit substrate.
 58. Footwear according to claim 49, further comprising: a flexible circuit substrate electronically coupling said location signal antenna to said location determining device; and wherein said upper is fixed to said sole; and said location signal antenna is fixed to said upper.
 59. Footwear according to claim 58, wherein: said flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating layer and a plurality of metal traces formed on said insulating layer; and at least some of said metal traces are connected between said location signal antenna and said location determining device.
 60. Footwear according to claim 59, wherein a plurality of said metal traces are impedance matched.
 61. Footwear according to claim 49, wherein said location determining device obtains information indicative of a position of said footwear exclusively via said wireless communication device.
 62. Footwear according to claim 49, wherein said location determining device determines a position of said footwear using signals transmitted by a positioning system.
 63. Footwear according to claim 62, wherein said positioning system is a satellite based global positioning system.
 64. Footwear according to claim 49, wherein said cavity is accessible through an opening in said top surface of said sole.
 65. Footwear according to claim 64, wherein said sole includes a portion that can be folded over said opening in said top surface to cover said cavity.
 66. Footwear comprising: a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said sole having a cavity formed in said top surface of said sole; a location determining device removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a wireless communication device electronically coupled to said location determining device and removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; an upper including a heel portion; and a location signal antenna disposed in said heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device; and wherein said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via a flexible circuit substrate.
 67. Footwear according to claim 66, wherein said wireless communication device and said location determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material.
 68. Footwear according to claim 67, wherein said waterproof material is a polyamide resin.
 69. Footwear according to claim 67, wherein: said wireless communication device includes a circuit board having a battery connector mounted thereon, said battery connector having a first portion connected to said circuit board and a second portion for connecting to a battery; and said waterproof material encapsulates said first portion of said battery connector and leaves said second portion of said connector exposed to facilitate connection to a battery.
 70. Footwear according to claim 69, wherein said waterproof material defines a slot to receive said battery.
 71. Footwear according to claim 66, further including: a battery disposed in said cavity; and a charging connector electrically coupled to charge said battery and accessible from outside said footwear.
 72. Footwear according to claim 71, wherein said charging connector is disposed in an opening in said sidewall of said sole.
 73. Footwear according to claim 66, further comprising: a communication antenna electrically coupled to said wireless communication device and disposed on a flexible circuit substrate between an inner layer and an outer layer of said upper; and wherein said communication antenna is disposed in said heel portion of said upper.
 74. Footwear according to claim 66, wherein: said flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating layer and a plurality of metal traces formed on said insulating layer; and at least some of said metal traces are connected between said location signal antenna and said location determining device.
 75. Footwear according to claim 74, wherein a plurality of said metal traces are impedance matched.
 76. Footwear according to claim 66, wherein said location determining device obtains information indicative of a position of said footwear exclusively via said wireless communication device.
 77. Footwear according to claim 66, wherein said location determining device determines a position of said footwear using signals transmitted by a positioning system.
 78. Footwear according to claim 77, wherein said positioning system is a satellite based global positioning system.
 79. Footwear according to claim 66, wherein said cavity is accessible through an opening in said top surface of said sole.
 80. Footwear according to claim 79, wherein said sole includes a portion that can be folded over said opening in said top surface to cover said cavity.
 81. Footwear comprising: a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said sole having a cavity formed in said top surface of said sole; a location determining device removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a wireless communication device electronically coupled to said location determining device and removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; an upper fixed to said sole; an antenna fixed to said upper; and a flexible circuit substrate electronically coupling said antenna to one of said wireless communication device and said location determining device.
 82. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein said wireless communication device and said location determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material.
 83. Footwear according to claim 82, wherein said waterproof material is a polyamide resin.
 84. Footwear according to claim 82, wherein: said wireless communication device includes a circuit board having a battery connector mounted thereon, said battery connector having a first portion connected to said circuit board and a second portion for connecting to a battery; and said waterproof material encapsulates said first portion of said battery connector and leaves said second portion of said connector exposed to facilitate connection to a battery.
 85. Footwear according to claim 84, wherein said waterproof material defines a slot to receive said battery.
 86. Footwear according to claim 81, further including: a battery disposed in said cavity; and a charging connector electrically coupled to charge said battery and accessible from outside said footwear.
 87. Footwear according to claim 86, wherein said charging connector is disposed in an opening in said sidewall of said sole.
 88. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein: said upper includes an inner layer and an outer layer; said antenna is a communication antenna electrically coupled to said wireless communication device and disposed on said flexible circuit substrate between said inner layer and said outer layer of said upper; and said communication antenna is disposed in a heel portion of said upper.
 89. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein said antenna includes a location signal antenna disposed in a heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device.
 90. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein said location determining device obtains information indicative of a position of said footwear exclusively via said wireless communication device.
 91. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein said location determining device determines a position of said footwear using signals transmitted by a positioning system.
 92. Footwear according to claim 91, wherein said positioning system is a satellite based global positioning system.
 93. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein said cavity is accessible through an opening in said top surface of said sole.
 94. Footwear according to claim 93, wherein said sole includes a portion that can be folded over said opening in said top surface to cover said cavity.
 95. Footwear according to claim 81, wherein: said flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating layer and a plurality of metal traces formed on said insulating layer; and at least some of said metal traces are connected between said antenna and at least one of said location determining device and said wireless communication device.
 96. Footwear according to claim 95, wherein a plurality of said metal traces are impedance matched.
 97. Footwear according to claim 81, further comprising: a communication antenna disposed in a heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said wireless communication device; and wherein said antenna is a location signal antenna disposed in a toe portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device.
 98. Footwear according to claim 97, wherein: said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via said flexible circuit substrate; and said communication antenna is disposed on a second flexible circuit substrate.
 99. Footwear comprising: a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said sole having a cavity formed in said top surface of said sole; a location determining device removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; a wireless communication device electronically coupled to said location determining device and removably disposed at least partially within said cavity; an upper including a heel portion and a toe portion; a location signal antenna disposed in said toe portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said location determining device; and a communication antenna disposed in said heel portion of said upper and electronically coupled to said wireless communication device.
 100. Footwear according to claim 99, wherein said wireless communication device and said location determining device are encapsulated in a waterproof material.
 101. Footwear according to claim 100, wherein said waterproof material is a polyamide resin.
 102. Footwear according to claim 100, wherein: said wireless communication device includes a circuit board having a battery connector mounted thereon, said battery connector having a first portion connected to said circuit board and a second portion for connecting to a battery; and said waterproof material encapsulates said first portion of said battery connector and leaves said second portion of said connector exposed to facilitate connection to a battery.
 103. Footwear according to claim 102, wherein said waterproof material defines a slot to receive said battery.
 104. Footwear according to claim 99, further including: a battery disposed in said cavity; and a charging connector electrically coupled to charge said battery and accessible from outside said footwear.
 105. Footwear according to claim 104, wherein said charging connector is disposed in an opening in said sidewall of said sole.
 106. Footwear according to claim 99, wherein said location determining device obtains information indicative of a position of said footwear exclusively via said wireless communication device.
 107. Footwear according to claim 99, wherein said location determining device determines a position of said footwear using signals transmitted by a positioning system.
 108. Footwear according to claim 107, wherein said positioning system is a satellite based global positioning system.
 109. Footwear according to claim 99, wherein said cavity is accessible through an opening in said top surface of said sole.
 110. Footwear according to claim 109, wherein said sole includes a portion that can be folded over said opening in said top surface to cover said cavity.
 111. Footwear according to claim 99, wherein: said location signal antenna is coupled to said location determining device via a first flexible circuit substrate; and said communication antenna is disposed on a second flexible circuit substrate.
 112. A method for manufacturing footwear, said method comprising: providing a sole including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said top surface defining a cavity; providing an upper; fixing said upper to said sole; incorporating a tracking device in said cavity in said top surface of said sole; incorporating an antenna in a heel portion of said upper; and connecting said antenna to said tracking device; and wherein said antenna is a directional antenna; and said step of incorporating said antenna in said heel portion of said upper includes providing a support structure in said upper to maintain said antenna in an upwardly facing position.
 113. A method for manufacturing footwear according to claim 112, wherein said step of incorporating said antenna in said upper occurs prior to said step of fixing said upper to said sole.
 114. A method for manufacturing footwear according to claim 112, wherein said step of incorporating said tracking device in said sole occurs after said step of fixing said upper to said sole.
 115. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 112, further comprising encapsulating said tracking device in a waterproof material.
 116. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 112, further comprising: mounting a charging adapter in said sole; and electrically coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device.
 117. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 116, wherein said step of electrically coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device includes coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device via a flexible circuit substrate.
 118. A method for manufacturing footwear, said method comprising: providing a sole including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall, said top surface defining a cavity; providing an upper; fixing said upper to said sole; incorporating a tracking device in said cavity in said top surface of said sole; incorporating an antenna in said upper; connecting said antenna to said tracking device; mounting a charging adapter in said sole; and electrically coupling said charging adapter to said tracking device via a flexible circuit substrate.
 119. A method for manufacturing footwear according to claim 118, wherein said step of incorporating said antenna in said upper occurs prior to said step of fixing said upper to said sole.
 120. A method for manufacturing footwear according to claim 118, wherein said step of incorporating said tracking device in said sole occurs after said step of fixing said upper to said sole.
 121. A method of manufacturing footwear according to claim 118, further comprising encapsulating said tracking device in a waterproof material. 